sharing myself...

I was looking for information on availability of black stone idols of Gods and Goddesses as one of my colleague wanted to construct a temple. I searched on internet as it is the first point of contact for many like me. I couldn’t get much info after doing couple of combination words search I could know about Shivarapatna (Shi-war-patna) Locating this place was not easy as no precise information about its location except it is present near to Kolar district of Karnataka. I enquired my friends belonging to that part about it and then I got info that it is near to Kolar on the way to Bangalore. But they also didn't have any accurate information.

Ganesha -black stone idol

Devi statue

Shivarapatna is a remote village of Malur Taluk of Kolar but
the stone idols carved here have been shipped to many countries and still many
don’t know about this place. But the brokers are making money being mediators
between the villagers and purchasers in India and Abroad.

Even reaching Shivarapatna is quite difficult as one has to
either get down at Narsapur in Bangalore – Kolar road or at Shivarapatna gate
in Kolar – Malur road. For going inside from main road one has to hire auto
rickshaw or wait for the bus which comes not so frequently.

Idols of Gods and Goddesses

I had doubt about this place whether really stone carvings
are done at this place out of black stone if so why it is not being so
popularly known place to make black stone idols. I was really relieved and
surprised to see people of entire village involved in making stone idols and
especially the idols of God and Goddess in black stones and statues of few
famous personalities.

Naga stone before polish

Ganesha idol before polish

Upon enquiry I got the info that the villagers supply stone
idols for many places including abroad but only through brokers. Only thing the
villagers know is receive orders and make ready idols either of people directly
visiting here or of brokers. Also they connect their art of stone carving to
the Gangas period as Ganga rulers were the one who made the people of this area
to learn stone carving mainly to carve stone idols of Gods and Goddesses for
the temples the rulers constructing and now the art is being passed in
generations.

statue of Netaji carved in stone

I could see villagers’ expertise in making all sorts of
idols and statues out of stones depending on the requirement. Even many takes
idols from here for exhibition purpose as one can recollect seeing stones of
Buddha in some resorts.

Anyone wishes to purchase anything made of black stones or
of specific stones can visit this place and order and also you can give order
to make any specific idols. One can get best price as you we will be directly
interacting with sculptors but don’t forget to bargain significantly.